Beguiling the Duke by Darcy Burke

Chapter4

That night, Law rode in the Campions’ coach to the crowning ceremony with Miss Campion, her father, and her two younger brothers. Thankfully, Campion had realized it would be too cramped inside, and he’d made the youngest, Richard, ride up top with Bryan, their groom, who was apparently also their coachman.

Law understood why the vehicle hadn’t been offered to him. It was positively decrepit. Aside from being ancient, it was in need of refurbishment. He began to wonder if Campion was light on funds. Was his estate not profitable?

Miss Campion was seated across from him next to her father. She wore a pretty but simple ball gown that he’d guess was at least a few years old. That seemed to support the notion that there wasn’t enough money, but then again, what need did she have of a new ball gown every year?

Except there was this festival that was clearly of high importance. It seemed reasonable that a young lady who was in want of a husband, such as Miss Campion, might need a new evening gown each year?

There was also the fact that they had no housekeeper or butler and just two maids, one of whom was primarily dedicated to the kitchen.

He really didn’t need to be thinking so deeply about her or her family. However, he couldn’t seem to help himself. His mind was singularly focused on the alluring young woman, and he’d no idea why.

Perhaps he was simply so eager to avoid his impending betrothal that he’d grasped on to Miss Campion as a welcome distraction. While that made sense, he thought it must be more than just that. In the short time he’d known her, he’d gathered she was engaging, kind, and remarkably capable. She was also stirringly attractive, with those green eyes that assessed everything with a quick cleverness. He’d watched as she’d sprung to aid the cook that afternoon. That she’d left the reception, which had been of vital importance to her, to help someone in her household was a clear demonstration of generosity and loyalty. She was a person Law would want on his side.

He’d felt awful that she’d missed the event and that the reason was because she’d torn her gown. Though she’d tried to hide her disappointment, Law had seen it. He hadn’t thought twice about offering his own help. She was also a person who deserved to have others supporting her as she did them.

What Law couldn’t yet determine was if her family fit that category. Perhaps tonight he’d find out.

Adam, who was three years younger than Miss Campion, with her same light brown hair, looked to Law. “How did you find the reception, Your Grace?”

“It was quaint.” Law saw Miss Campion’s brows arch briefly and realized he probably ought to have used a different word.

“I’m sure it’s a much smaller event than you’re used to,” she said.

“Of course it is,” her father agreed. “I imagine His Grace attends lavish balls in London that make our festival look positively rustic.”

“What’s it like being a duke?” Adam asked.

All three Campions regarded him with interest. Law felt slightly uncomfortable. What was he supposed to say? “I’m not sure I can report with much authority as I’ve only been a duke about six months.”

“You’ve got six months’ experience, then,” Adam said eagerly. “What do you do in London? Do you attend a ball every night? Do you ride on Rotten Row every morning? Do you own a phaeton?”

At the last question, Miss Campion hid a smile behind her hand.

“No, I do not attend balls every night, nor do I visit Rotten Row every morning. I do own a phaeton.”

Adam grinned. “Brilliant. Do you race?”

“Occasionally.” That was one of the few risky activities Law’s father had encouraged him to do that he actually enjoyed. Still, he didn’t take the risks his father did. The former duke had completely wrecked a phaeton three years ago. That he’d walked away with minor injuries was fortunate, but the fact that the horse had been unscathed was a miracle. Law had taken that poor horse for himself and now used him for his small gig.

“Must be thrilling,” Adam said. “How many houses do you own?”

Miss Campion pursed her dark pink, bow-shaped lips, making them look even more kissable than usual. Damn, when had Law started thinking of them as kissable? “Adam, I’m sure His Grace would rather not be badgered with questions.”

“I’d like to know too,” Campion said with enthusiasm.

A subtle sigh slipped past Miss Campion’s lips. It was the sound of surrender, and Law wondered how often she took that stance with her family. He imagined as the sole female amongst so many males, she was challenged and was likely in a constant state of having to assert herself. He also suspected she was victorious more often than not, and that she chose which battles were worth fighting. This one was not—Law would tell them about his bloody houses.

“I own two estates and a house in London, as well as my father’s hunting lodge.”

“Isn’t it your hunting lodge now?” Campion asked, sounding confused.

“I’m not interested in hunting for sport.” Law would never think of it as his own and hoped to sell it. “I suppose it’s a nice place to visit if one enjoys being cold and damp.”

Miss Campion stifled a smile, and Law allowed his lips to lift. He liked making her smile. And now he wanted to turn the tables on these curious Campions. “How large is Fieldstone, Campion?”

“Nine hundred acres,” he said proudly. “There are eight tenant farmers, including Esmond and Philip. I’m hoping to purchase a small neighboring estate later this year, which would add another five hundred acres.”

If he was going to purchase land, his finances were likely in better shape than Law had surmised. But, if Campion had been saving to make this investment, perhaps that was why there wasn’t enough money for other things.

“You must be doing very well,” Law said, glancing toward Miss Campion to gauge her opinion on the matter. Her expression revealed nothing.

Campion smoothed his hand down the front of his coat and over his thick middle. “I think so. Still nowhere near being a duke.” He laughed.

Thankfully, they’d arrived in town and the coach stopped at one of the main gates to the botanical gardens. Law was eager to get away from their questions. He climbed out first and helped Miss Campion down.

She took his offered arm, and Law escorted her through the gate. The gardens were awash with light from both lanterns and torches. There were several paths, and a dais stood up ahead.

“Is that where the crowning takes place?” Law asked.

“Yes. There will be seven ‘thrones’ on stage for the maidens fair. They aren’t actually thrones, of course, but wrought iron chairs decorated with flowers. There are also thrones for the king and queen, but those are made of brass.”

Campion and the two younger sons joined them, and they started along the path toward the dais.

Law could hear Adam telling the younger one, Richard, what he’d missed hearing not being inside the coach. Miss Campion heard them too, for she rolled her eyes and quietly apologized to Law.

“They are most impressed by you,” she said. “We’ve never hosted a peer, let alone a duke.”

“What about you? Are you impressed?” Law couldn’t tell.

She seemed to assess him, her gaze sweeping him from head to toe. The thoroughness of her perusal heated his blood. “I suppose I am. You’re very tall.”

Law laughed. That was his defining quality? “Should I assume you’ve also never hosted a tall person?”

“That is correct,” she said primly but with a bright dash of humor flickering in her eyes.

They encountered Miss Campion’s eldest brother, Esmond, and a pretty blonde. Esmond inclined his head. “Your Grace. Allow me to present my wife, Annabelle, Mrs. Campion.”

Law bowed to Mrs. Campion. “I’m pleased to make your acquaintance.”

The woman curtsied, her hand still gripping her husband’s arm as she wavered on her way up. “Your Grace, it is most splendid to meet you.” She batted her lashes at him.

Esmond shifted his gaze to his sister. “Sadie, please tell us you’re still coming over tomorrow morning to help with the boys. Annabelle is on crown-making duty.”

Little pleats dimpled the space between Miss Campion’s light brown eyebrows as she looked to the blonde. “I thought I was coming to help you clean the larder.”

“I’m hoping you can still do that,” Annabelle said. “But my mother needs an extra person to help make the maiden fair crowns in the morning. Unfortunately, my youngest sister, who was to assist her, isn’t feeling well.”

“I see,” Miss Campion said. “Hopefully you won’t be gone too long, as I’ve other chores to complete.”

“You can always take the boys back to Fieldstone with you,” Annabelle suggested with a shrug.

Miss Campion blinked at her.

“I’m sure their grandpapa would be happy to play with them,” Annabelle added with a glance toward Campion.

“Not tomorrow,” Campion said loudly. “I’ve a meeting with Rowell.”

“It will be fine,” Miss Campion assured everyone.

“The whole family’s here!” A gentleman who was presumably the fourth Campion son for he bore quite a resemblance to their father, approached with a dark-haired woman.

“Philip, have you met the duke?” Esmond asked.

“Not yet.” Philip bowed to Law. “This is my wife, Mrs. Janet Campion.”

Law inclined his head. “How nice to meet you.”

Philip looked at where Miss Campion clutched Law’s arm. “Are you escorting our Sadie?”

“Not really,” Miss Campion answered quickly. “I’m acting as his guide since he is unfamiliar with the festival.” She looked up at Law. “In fact, let me show you the refreshment area.”

Before anyone could respond, she’d tugged him around and pulled him along the path at a very fast walk.

“Are we in a hurry?” he asked.

“Yes. To get away from my family.” She glanced up at him. “Sorry, that isn’t very kind of me to say.”

“On the contrary, it’s more than kind. You demonstrate a remarkable level of patience and generosity. I was thinking in the coach that it must be difficult for you to manage four brothers, your father, and a household. It seems I must also add two brothers’ families to that as well. Or should I not presume that you also help Philip?”

A sheepish look swept her features. “You’ve sorted that out quickly. I have been helping Janet with managing her household. She’s new to the task. And yes, it is difficult. I’m…I’m surprised you noticed.”

“Why, because I’m a duke?”

“No, because you’re a man.”

“That is true, and your point is well taken.” They slowed their pace, and Law decided to satisfy his curiosity. “Why doesn’t your sister-in-law just take her sons with her to make crowns? And why does she even need to make crowns? Won’t the maidens have them already if they’re to be crowned tonight?”

“They’re made of flowers, and the queen and maidens get new ones every day. Annabelle’s mother is in charge of them, so it makes sense that she would enlist her help, though she hadn’t planned to since she has her hands full with two children this year. She could take the boys, but then she wouldn’t actually be much help.”

“It sounds as if you’ll have your hands full,” he said with a hint of annoyance. It appeared Miss Campion’s family took advantage of her. “And she still expects you to clean her larder.”

“She can expect all she likes, but I can’t see that happening if I’m watching over the boys. The whole reason I’d agreed to help her was because it would be easier to complete the chore with two of us managing both that and the children.”

He heard that she was irritated too. Good, she should be.

“I must apologize for my father’s and brother’s behavior in the coach. They were rather impertinent with their questions.” A smile teased her kissable lips—hell, could he not think of them any other way? “I appreciated you asking my father about Fieldstone, but I doubt he realized the irony.”

Law doubted it too, but was glad she’d enjoyed the turnabout. “I confess I was curious too. I wondered if your family was experiencing financial hardship.”

She swung her head toward him. “You did?”

“Your lack of sufficient help with the household and…a few other things indicated that might be the case.”

She nodded. “With one look at the coach, you could easily surmise that we’re destitute. Thankfully, we are not. My father is just very frugal. He puts a great deal of money back into the estate. He’s also been saving for the purchase of the neighboring land.”

“He shouldn’t allow his household to suffer.”

Miss Campion nodded. “My father has ideas, but doesn’t necessarily possess the skills to execute them. Thankfully, he has me and Rowell—he’s the land manager.”

“And married to the cook, I gather?” Since they shared the same surname, though he supposed they could be siblings.

“Yes. You’ll have to meet him. He’s not as friendly as Mrs. Rowell, but he can tell you anything you’d like to know about farming or animal husbandry.”

“I actually wouldn’t mind speaking to him about sheep, if he has the time.”

“He’d love to talk with you—just know that you may be with him for some time. He can be loquacious about his work.”

Law realized they were on a path that circled around toward the dais. He didn’t see refreshments anywhere. “We aren’t going to the refreshment area, are we?”

“I’m afraid not. We can, if you like, but the ceremony will begin soon. Oh, look, the mayor is preparing to speak.”

They found a place to stand near the dais. She clutched his arm tightly, and Law wondered if she was nervous. “Is there any chance you could be chosen as a maiden fair?” he asked.

“The slightest one, perhaps, since you mentioned me. However, I don’t expect it.”

But she wanted it. Law wished he could turn back the clock and be the one to fetch the forgotten cakes. “I would have returned to Fieldstone for you,” he said softly. “You should have stayed at the reception.”

She stared at him, her eyes glittering like emeralds, but if she planned to respond, she was prevented from doing so by the mayor speaking.

A round-faced, dark-eyed man in his sixties, he welcomed everyone to the festival and provided some history about when and why it was founded. None of it sounded verifiable, but it made a nice story. Then he introduced the May King and Queen—Mr. and Mrs. Martinscroft. Martinscroft was the heir to Baron Tippenworth, whom Law did not know.

The orchestra played an interval of music as the mayor, Mr. Armstrong, placed an elaborate floral crown atop the queen’s head and a less…flowery version on the king. There was much applause, and the mayor declared the festival officially begun. This included an announcement that the labyrinth was now open.

“There’s a labyrinth?” he whispered to Miss Campion. “I’d like to see that. Perhaps you can show me after the ceremony.”

“There will be dancing immediately following the ceremony,” she said, her gaze fixed on the dais.

The queen came forward to read the names of the seven maidens fair. As each one was called, Miss Campion stiffened. Then she relaxed only to tense again. As the final name was revealed, he felt her sag and wondered if she might be relieved. But that didn’t make sense since he knew she’d wanted to be a maiden fair.

“I’m glad that’s over,” she said with a bright smile. “They will start the dancing now.”

“I believe the queen has made a massive oversight,” Law said. “None of those maidens on the dais compares to you.”

She cocked her head. “How can you know that? You just met me this morning.”

“You’ve made a very favorable impression.” Law also didn’t like losing, which he blamed on his father. Nothing was more important than being recognized as the best. And yes, for whatever reason, he liked Miss Campion and wanted her to win. More accurately, he wanted her to have what she wanted, what she deserved when she worked so hard for everyone else around her.

“It’s all right, truly,” she assured him.

He was going to say there was always next year, but he’d promised he would do his best to see her betrothed by the end of the week. This was one time he absolutely couldn’t lose.

“Come, we need to move out of the way, as this is where people will dance.”

He realized the ground had been leveled to form a dance floor and was devoid of grass or plants. Escorting her back to the path, he asked, “What are you looking for in a husband?”

“Why do you want to know?”

“I’m committed to seeing you betrothed, Miss Campion. It would help me to know what sort of gentleman you desire.” He sensed a ripple moving through the woman beside him. Perhaps he should have used a different word from “desire.” Or perhaps the ripple had come from him.

“I suppose I would like to marry a man who is strong and capable, and who is also clever and kind.” Those were words Law would have used to describe her. “Mostly, I want my own household to run, my own family.” She spoke softly and with great longing.

“Then you shall have it,” he said with confidence. There were a great many gentlemen here looking for a bride. Surely one of them would meet her needs. No, her potential husband had to do better than that—he needed to capture her heart. Nothing less would do for Miss Campion.

“Would you care to dance with me, Miss Campion?” he asked.

She looked into his eyes and smiled. “I would, thank you.”

He led her toward where the maidens had started the dancing a few minutes ago. By the end of the night, she’d have danced with at least a handful of suitors, and tomorrow, she’d dance with even more. At the Grand Picnic, she’d be the most sought-after woman at the festival—never mind the maidens—and she’d have her pick of husbands.

Though he’d only just met her, Law felt certain that was what she deserved.